Mexico’s Ruling Party Shaken by Assassination of Top Officials in Capital

President Claudia Sheinbaum learned of the murder of two high-ranking Morena officials during her morning press conference on May 20, 2025.

Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch delivered the shocking news about the assassination of Ximena Guzmán and José Muñoz, close collaborators of Mexico City’s Head of Government Clara Brugada.

The attack occurred in broad daylight when an armed assailant fired 12 shots at the victims’ car. Guzmán, 42, served as Brugada’s private secretary while Muñoz, 52, coordinated her advisory team.

Both were longtime Morena militants with deep roots in the party’s stronghold of Iztapalapa. “Our souls ache,” Brugada stated during an emotional press conference hours after the murders.

She struggled to maintain composure while describing her personal connection to both victims. Guzmán was “a wonderful, tireless woman” and Muñoz “one of the most intelligent and responsible people” in her administration.

The execution-style killing has created profound concern within Morena‘s ranks. Party members question whether the victims were specifically targeted or if the attack sends a broader message to the ruling party.

Assassination Shakes Morena Leadership

The assassination method mirrors tactics used by organized crime groups. Senate President Gerardo Fernández Noroña condemned “the violence being promoted against us,” suggesting the attack targeted the party itself.

Meanwhile, Xóchitl Bravo, coordinator of Morena legislators in Mexico City’s Congress, framed the murders as retaliation for security advances against criminal organizations.

The tragedy directly challenges Morena’s security strategy, which focuses on addressing root causes of violence like unemployment and lack of opportunities.

This approach now faces scrutiny as violence reaches the inner circle of the party’s leadership in its strongest political bastion. During Tuesday night’s wake, Morena supporters chanted political slogans like “Zapata lives, the struggle continues!”

The irony remains that the party now governing Mexico must address the same security demands they once made as opposition. The assassination highlights the growing boldness of criminal organizations that operate with impunity.

President Sheinbaum confirmed no previous threats existed against either victim, adding another layer of concern for government officials who now look over their shoulders.

More: Latin America news in English, every day from The Rio Times.

This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated newsroom system. How we use AI · Report an error